China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has confirmed it has begun a review on whether the existing anti-dumping duties (ADs) on imports into China of chloroprene rubber, solar-grade polycrystalline silicon, and optical fibers should be extended for a possible five more years.

In May 2005, MOC imposed ADs on imported chloroprene rubber from Japan, the United States, and the European Union (EU) for an initial period of five years. The ADs were extended for another five years in 2011, to expire on May 9 this year. Chloroprene rubber is used to manufacture electrical cables and waterproof products.

MOC has also announced that it has begun an investigation regarding a renewal of the ADs and countervailing duties (CVDs) imposed on imports from the EU into China of solar-grade polysilicon (which is used in solar equipment). These duties would otherwise have expired on April 30, 2016.

Finally, MOC disclosed recently that it has filed an expiry review of the existing ADs on imports of single-mode optical fibers originating in the United States and the EU. The ADs were originally imposed for a period of five years from April 22, 2011.

During the period of each review, the existing ADs and CVDs are maintained in place. If it is determined during the review that their termination may lead to the continuance or re-occurrence of dumping and injury, as has been claimed by the Chinese producers of each product, imposition of the trade dispute duties will be extended.

Source: tax-news